Heavy rain floods southwest coast

Heavy rainfall that hit Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Kaohsiung areas yesterday morning caused flooding in various locations and affected both train and road traffic, according to local fire departments yesterday.

Due to the stationary front that is hovering over Taiwan, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) continues to release warnings of extremely heavy rain for most areas of the country.

According to the Yunlin Fire Department, heavy rain started to hit their area at 8 a.m. yesterday, and the accumulated precipitation in many areas of Yunlin County reached over 120mm.

The Yulin Fire Department said that the rainfall was so heavy and sudden that many low-lying areas were flooded and they were subsequently closed to traffic with warning signs.

The Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) said that a high-voltage power line was knocked loose after being hit by lighting but power was restored immediately.

The Chiayi Weather Station said the accumulated precipitation reached 234mm from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. yesterday, which met the standard of extremely heavy rain and topped the record for the greatest amount of accumulated precipitation in Taiwan for yesterday.

Due to the sudden and heavy rainfall, the Taiwan Railway Administration's Chiayi train station officials said that 11 trains and 2,000 passengers were delayed after the railway system was shut down temporarily because of low visibility.

The Chiayi City Fire Department said that many drivers asked for help after being trapped on flooded roads, but no one was injured.

Chiayi County Government said that two elderly who live alone were trapped in their residences, and needed rescue by local firefighters.

Meanwhile, the Lao-Nong River, which is located in Kaohsiung City, rose up suddenly and sharply due to heavy rain and destroyed a temporary bridge, so the local officials closed down the bridge's entry.

According to the CWB, a new front will bring unstable weather and heavy rain to the entire island for the rest of the week.

The CWB said that the front will hover over Taiwan until June 7, so all areas have to be alert to heavy rain for the rest of the week.

A train is parked at a train station in Chiayi City, yesterday. Chiayi train station officials said that 11 trains and 2,000 passengers were delayed after the railway system was temporarily shut down owing to low visibility. (CNA)